Campbell Wright’s story has always been one of admiration.

A young athlete from Hāwea with fierce dedication, against the odds, in such a minority sport as biathlon is truly remarkable.

He is one of four sons of Americans Scott and Alison Wright, who emigrated to New Zealand in 1993. Scott was a founder of Bay Audio and sold the business in 2009, with the family finding their way to Wānaka in 2011. His brother Paul is a very accomplished cyclist who competes in Europe.

For many of Campbell’s early years in the sport, he was it — New Zealand’s only biathlete. He had a coach who lived overseas, whom he found online to help guide and train him.

Thank goodness the Snow Farm was in his backyard. He made the most of those world-class facilities to hone his skills and fuel his desire to become one of the best in the world.

Can you imagine, over time, being basically the only athlete of your kind in the country? A coach on the other side of the world, training on your own day after day.

Wondering where it was all going to lead?

He moved overseas in his teens, basing himself in Canada. He represented New Zealand at the Biathlon Youth World Championships in 2019, 2020 and 2021, with a best result of sixth.

At the 2020 Youth Olympics, he was New Zealand’s flag bearer and achieved two top-ten results.

Fast forward to 2022, Campbell made the New Zealand Winter Olympic team for Beijing. As the youngest athlete, he finished 32nd in a field of 92.

At the 2023 World Junior Championships, he won gold in the 10km sprint. He became the first New Zealander (and first Southern Hemisphere athlete) to win a medal in biathlon.

These results helped New Zealand place equal third in the medal tally, behind only Germany and Norway. How good is that!

In October 2023, it was announced that Campbell would join the USA biathlon roster. He now competes for the red, white and blue, but retains his strong Kiwiana roots.

Earlier this year, he became the first USA biathlete, and New Zealander, to win back-to-back silver medals at the World Championships. He is still only 23.

There is so much more to this young man’s story. A movie or book would no doubt be a best-seller.

Roll on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. What are the chances we’ll see a young man from Hāwea, New Zealand, representing the USA on the podium?

It’s been a heck of a ride so far for Campbell — and just imagine the icing on the cake if his dream is realised.

Campbell shares more about his journey and what’s next in our podcast this week.